Matzo Balls and BRCA Tests: An Unlikely Alliance Aims to Democratize Genetic Health in NYC

NEW YORK, NY – February 02, 2026 – In a city known for its diverse collaborations, a new partnership is turning heads for its unique blend of community, tradition, and cutting-edge science. This February, in observance of National Cancer Prevention Month, the familiar comfort of the Manischewitz brand will be paired with the life-saving potential of genetic testing. The national nonprofit jscreen, iconic food company Manischewitz, and celebrated health advocate Gila Pfeffer are joining forces to host two community-wide genetic screening events in New York City, aiming to make critical health information more accessible than ever.

The events, scheduled for February 8 at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan (MMJCCM) and February 11 at Yeshiva University, represent a significant push to bring preventative healthcare directly into the hearts of communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive screenings for hereditary cancer risks and reproductive carrier statuses, all within trusted local venues and for a nominal fee.

Bridging the Gap in Preventative Health

At the core of this initiative is the mission to overcome long-standing barriers to preventative medicine. Genetic testing, which can identify predispositions to serious conditions, has often been hampered by high costs, lack of awareness, and logistical hurdles. JScreen, a public health initiative affiliated with Emory University School of Medicine, was founded to tackle these exact problems.

For many New Yorkers, particularly those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, this access is not just a convenience—it's a critical health tool. Research shows that individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage have a significantly higher risk for certain genetic mutations. For example, about 1 in 40 carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, compared to 1 in 400 in the general population. These mutations dramatically increase the lifetime risk for breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. Similarly, carrier rates for recessive conditions like Tay-Sachs disease (1 in 30) and Canavan disease (1 in 40) are much higher in this group, making informed family planning essential.

The upcoming events will offer two key tests: a Hereditary Cancer Test to identify mutations like BRCA, and a Reproductive Carrier Screen that evaluates hundreds of conditions. By providing these tests for an $18 upfront fee and billing remaining lab costs to insurance, jscreen is drastically lowering the financial barrier that prevents many from accessing their own genetic blueprint.

A Personal Mission Fuels a Public Movement

Adding a deeply personal and compelling voice to the initiative is Gila Pfeffer, an author and health advocate whose personal journey has become a public mission. Pfeffer is a BRCA1 previvor—an individual who carries the high-risk gene mutation but has taken proactive surgical measures to prevent cancer before it can develop. Her experience fuels her powerful "Feel It on the First" campaign, which encourages monthly breast self-exams as a cornerstone of early detection.

At the February 8 event at the MMJCCM, Pfeffer will share her story, transforming abstract genetic statistics into a tangible, human narrative. Her advocacy focuses on empowering individuals, particularly women, to become proactive managers of their own health, to ask questions, and to demand better information. Her presence underscores a central theme of the event: knowledge is power. By understanding one's genetic risks, individuals can make informed decisions about surveillance, prevention, and lifestyle, moving from a reactive to a proactive stance on their health.

Pfeffer's work with organizations like Sharsheret, a national Jewish breast cancer organization, has already amplified her message across the country. Her involvement in this screening event brings her advocacy full circle, connecting the call for self-awareness with a direct, accessible opportunity for community members to take the next step through genetic testing.

Community, Culture, and Cutting-Edge Care

The choice of partners and venues is no accident. Manischewitz's participation represents a novel step for the 130-year-old brand. While long-established as a cultural pillar in Jewish households, its direct involvement in a public health screening initiative is a powerful statement. By deploying its beloved food truck to the events, the company is leveraging its deep-seated community trust to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, helping to destigmatize the process of health screening and make it feel like a community gathering rather than a clinical procedure.

Hosting the events at the MMJCCM and Yeshiva University further reinforces this community-centric approach. These institutions are not just buildings; they are trusted hubs of community and student life. Holding health screenings in these familiar, accessible locations removes the intimidation factor often associated with medical facilities and meets people where they are. The MMJCCM is a center for wellness and culture on the Upper West Side, while Yeshiva University is a cornerstone of the Washington Heights community, allowing the initiative to reach a broad and relevant audience.

"This collaboration brings together health education, community engagement, and meaningful conversation around prevention," said Dr. Matt Goldstein, CEO of jscreen, in the official announcement. "By aligning with Cancer Prevention Month, we're encouraging people to take proactive steps toward understanding their genetic risks and protecting their future health."

The events in New York City are more than just an opportunity to get a test; they are a model for the future of public health, where unlikely partners unite to break down barriers, foster community, and empower individuals with the knowledge they need to live healthier lives.